ERWIN JENSEN

Erwin J. Jensen, of Neenah, joined his wife MaryAnn in heaven on Sunday, October 25, 2009 to celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. He passed away in the presence of his loving family at Cherry Meadows in Appleton. Erwin was the son of the late Jacob and Ethel (Didricksen) Jensen and was a resident of Neenah. He married Mary Ann Petrin October 24, 1967. He worked for Courtney & Plummer and made numerous life-long friends during his years as "the Milkman" for Marten's Dairy and then Morning Glory Dairy from which he retired. Retirement was actually just a brief pause. His next opportunity to make additional friends and seek new ways to be of service was accomplished through his years employed by Jack's Maintenance as a custodian for St. Gabriel Church. Over the years he enjoyed bowling, his card playing group of friends, and being of assistance at both St Gabriel Catholic Church and Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Erwin was also proud of his service in the Army's 148th Infantry Regiment of the 37th Infantry Division. He participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands and Manilla in which he received a Presidential Citation for Battle Honors. Erwin was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ann in September, 2008; his sister, Marian in 1992; and his brother, Thorvald in 2006. He will be missed by his daughters: Cindy (Michael) Pfankuch, Diane (Danny) Zeinert, Tracie Jensen Haddock and her friend Dean; and former son-in-law, Chris Haddock. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law: Angie Petrin and Ruby Petrin, and two brothers-in-law: Edward Petrin and Joseph Petrin (Claudia); grandchildren: Philip, Larissa, Aimee, Malaree, Natalee, Rilee, Madilyn and Drew; great grandchildren, Landen, Abbigail, and Veda; nieces and nephews: Jeffery, Douglas, Scott, Mary, Tammie, Lori, Steven; and great nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Erwin will be held Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:00 am, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Neenah, with the Rev. Catherine A.K.Mode officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday October 28, at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and again on Thursday at the Church from 10:00 am until the time of service. A military rite of honor will take place at the Shrine of Heaven Mausoleum prior to entombment. Erwin's family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Theda Care Hospice of Neenah, the compassionate and supportive staff at Cherry Meadows, Our Savior's Church Community of Neenah and his many friends that visited, sent cards, and supported him through prayers, phone calls, and friendship since the loss of his wife a year ago and in his brief illness. Dad, we love you and will miss you and we know that "Mom has a seat at the slot machine waiting for you."